Under 11A 2010/11 Division 6 Match Reports

League away to Bandon on Friday 3rd June Bandon A 1 – 2 Midleton A A hard won victory in the last game of the season for Midleton against a team that played to their peak in an effort to stay in the division. It moves the team up to 3rd and provides a firm platform for development next year. Alex Marij opened the scoring with a fine goal from the left hand side of the box and Midleton made a number of chances after the early opener but could not quite convert. Bandon came into the game prompted by a centre-half of real talent and Midleton again showed their weakness at crosses when Bandon equalised before half time.

It was back to the walls stuff for Midleton in the second half. Adam Morris had a fine game in defence taking a great free kick to set up a chance which Midleton missed. At the other end he was then harshly judged to concede a penalty. Enter Michael Mullins. Michael had a fine game for Midleton in the first half on the left hand side of midfield attacking and defending with flair. He replaced Kieran O’Reilly in goal just after half time and made a couple of saves. Facing the penalty, he guessed right and beat the ball out. The Bandon forward somehow managed to miss with the goal at his mercy. Late on, Kieran hit a long ball that was chased down by Chigozie Iganabousi who ran fully 50 m and put the ball past the keeper. Michael Curtin was tireless in midfield and Ryan Higgins, Bryan McHugh, David O’Sullivan and Leon Cahill were prominent in a defence that was severely pressurised. And so ends the season. Everybody in the squad made great contributions through the season and all of the players have made great progress. There will be a number in line for the player of the season and the most improved player of the season awards. Some hard pre-season work should ensure greater progress.

League away to Carrigaline United B on 28th MayCarrigaline United B 3 Midleton A2 A point here would have seen Midleton promoted but they could not quite hold on after taking a 2–0 lead. In the reverse fixture, Carrigaline won easily 3 -1 so this result was some measure of progress as for much of the game Midleton looked the better team, playing the ball through midfield and getting some good passing together despite some rough tactics. Carrigaline centred on the ‘boot and chase’ method and would have done the old Wimbledon proud. Midleton deserved their 2 – 0 lead, Luke Smith snatching goal after the goalkeeper spilled and Alex Marij scoring a fine header from a brilliant Cal Baldwin corner. However, Midleton could not defend balls from the wing all day, the wind and slope causing them problems and Carrigaline getting the rub of the green. Truth is, the Midleton team is younger than most and physically can sometimes not match more mature opponents. Midleton conceded either side of half time but were more than capable of scoring before Carrigaline sneaked into the lead. Midleton pressed for an equalizer with Tom Scanlon and Alex having half chances and then Tom was ruled offside as he was about to shoot. Luck wasn’t with them today and Cal Bawdin’s fine effort just cleared the bar in injury time. The team now need 3 points at Bandon to take third place. A result they are more than capable of. Mentions for a few players. Michael Curtin was brilliant in midfield and Bryan McHugh is showing what a good player he is now that he can settle into the team after close of the rugby season.

League at home to Bandon A on 22nd May Midleton A 1 Bandon A 0 Pressure is mounting in all these games with a promotion place on offer to Midleton. This was a tense game played in a strong wind and Midleton just edged a well-balanced game. In the first half Midleton made a few chances but they did not pack their scoring boots. Luke Smith had a couple of chances and Cal Baldwins splendid effort was ruled offside. The Bandon centre back was having a great game and managed to foil the Midleton attack in the nick of time on several occasions.

At half time the introduction of Tom Scanlon and Daire Daly and the switch of Dylan Finn-Hannon to right back gave Midleton impetus and they made three chances that should have been scored before Luke Smith managed to sneak one under the goalkeeper after surging through the middle. Bandon then spent the rest of the game in the Midleton half putting them under tremendous pressure. The middle of defence were their normal reliable selves but outstanding full back play from Dylan Finn-Hannon and David O’Sullivan did much to keep a rampant Bandon at bay. Bandon hit the bar with a long range effort and Kieran O’Reilly made one fantastic stop. Michael Curtin formed a defence shield in front of the back four and all the players showed character as Midleton held out for a win. Dylan Finn-Hannon (who cleared his lines with skill and aplomb) and Cal Baldwin (for his industry and skill) must be singled out for having exceptional games and gave their all for the team.

League home to Leeds A on 17th May Midleton A 7 Leeds A0 Another fine performance from the team. Before the game an injury to goalkeeper Kieran O’Reilly led to Alex Marij taking over the goalkeeping duties – a move that meant we didn’t have the services of the Divisions top keeper and a loss of one of our own most creative players. However, Alex did splendidly in goal and Daire Daly had a good game in the centre of midfield. Leeds started well and were physically much bigger and stronger than Midleton. They had a couple of early breaks which petered out but soon superior skill began to assert itself. Adam Morris marshalled the defence expertly and Colin Edgebe gave his normal excellent performance. Conor Daly and Leon Cahill did great jobs at full back and were tenacious in defending and ably supporting their midfield. Midleton scored two fine goals before the break through Luke Smith and Tom Scanlon.

In the second half Leeds tired as Midleton poured forward. Shane Veillard found his shooting boots with two well taken goals, Luke added a second to his credit and scoring was completed by Michael Curtin and Daire Daly who expertly finished the best move of the game. Midleton could have had double figures as Leeds could simply not mount a threat. Cal Baldwin came on and proved a real threat down the right and Ryan Higgins gave an assured performance as substitute as well. Adam Morris, Michel Curtin (tireless as ever) and Tom Scanlon were the star turns this week and Tom man-of-the-match playing just behind Luke and providing the ammunition.

League away to Leeds A on 14th May Leeds A 1 Midleton A 5 Midleton gave a stylish performance in disposing of a strong Leeds challenge. Unusually for this team thay started playing from the first whistle and an early goal from Luke Smith set the tone for the match. Another goal came from the boot of Michael Mullins and at that stage it looked like it was going to be a comfortable game for Midleton.

However Leeds came back strongly into the match in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Following a goalmouth scramble they pulled one back but the Midleton defence held firm for the remainder of the half leaving the half time score of Leeds 1-2 Midleton.

As Midleton had played with the slope in the first half it didn't look like a one goal lead would be enough. Excellent work by the defence, with Dylan Finn-Hannon having an outstanding game as stand-in centre back, and midfield ensured that this would not be the case. A couple of good chances went a-begging but finally Luke Smith found his scoring boots. Helped by 2 assists from Daire Daly, Luke added 3 more goals to ensure Midleton ran out comfortable winners in the end.

All 16 players that were involved played well but, in addition to the players already mentioned, the contributions of Cal Baldwin and Colin Edgebe deserve to be higlighted.

This was a good win for the team but the dip in form in the last 10 minutes of the first-half should teach them the need to play for the full 60 minutes.

League home to Mallow A on 10th May Midleton A 1-3 Mallow A Midleton lost a very competitive game and were just edged out by a team that were slightly stronger and faster. Midleton went behind but equalised when Alex Marij got free and tucked away nicely. Midleton competed well but Mallow exerted lots of pressure in the second half before scoring 2 goals. Midleton’s defence were put under extreme stress and just couldn’t clear the ball effectively. Towards the end of the game Midleton saw a lot more of the ball in attacking situations and had two clear chances that’s seemed more difficult to miss than score but they couldn’t turn them in. All the players gave their utmost in a hard game but it is worth singling our Micahel Curtin who was tireless in midfield. Daire Daly had another fine game and his performances seem to have moved to a higher level.

League at home to Blarney United A on 8th May Midleton A 1 Blarney A 0 This was always going to be a tough game between two well-matched teams. In the reverse feature Midleton had shaded the game after being put under pressure. This match wasn’t helped by a fierce cross-wind that all the players found difficult to play football in. There was also a rather bizarre refereeing performance where Midleton suffered many of the poor decisions. Midleton probably shaded the first half and Tom Scanlon fashioned one of a few chances from a pass form Luke Smith in the first period but couldn’t quite convert. After that defences were on top. The game was won in the second half with the usual goal from Luke Smith. He took a ball in a move started by Michael Mullins in a break from defence and managed to shrug off the attention of a defender before driving into the top corner from the edge of the box. Luke could have scored a second but having been kicked and pulled back by the defender he was through on goal with just the keeper to beat before being brought back for a free kick – one of the stranger decisions of the game. A number of Blarney players could have been yellow and red carded for outrageous fouls in a ‘they shall not pass attitude’ but the referee had clearly left his cards at home. After that Midleton came under fierce pressure in an extended second half but held tight. Kieran O’Reilly was his usual brilliant self, making three fine saves and the centre of defence with Colin Edgebe (man-of-the-match) and Adam Morris were resolute. The whole team showed character in a fighting performance. Daire Daly stood out with a brilliant performance at right-back and later in the game in midfield but all the players can be proud of their individual and team performances.

League away to Passage A on Saturday 23rd April Passage A 2 Midleton A 6 Any problems Midleton have had this season are not due to ability but due to inconsistency often starting slowly in games before getting into their stride. Such was the case here. In the first half they made a number of chances and Tom Scanlon was prominent making a number of opportunities for himself and others and was a constant threat. However, they converted only one (Alex Marij) following good work down the left by Luke Smith but this was sandwiched between two strikes from Passage, the first was a tremendous free kick that flew into the top of the corner from the left hand side. The second half saw Midleton at their best and five goals turned the game around completely. Alex Marij scored what could be the goal of the season from the right hand of the box, a curler into the top corner. Goals followed from Chigozie Igboanusi who out paced the defence and Luke Smith. Cal Baldwin who had a great game scored a fine fifth before Michael Mullins rounded the game off. Killian Leahy, David O’Sullivan and Leon Cahill performed well at the back and with Adam Morris, Colin Edgebe and Kieran O’Reilly they have a really solid centre. Midfield and attack have some gifted young players and Midleton are finding out that excellent play needs a strong work ethic if they are to reach their potential.

League home to Douglas Hall A on Saturday 9th April Midleton A 9 Douglas Hall A 1 Midleton turned in their most impressive game of the season to beat the bottom team in the division. Midleton were impressive throughout and bettered their opponents in all areas of the field. Kieran O’Reilly opened the scoring from the penalty spot but more goals followed quickly. Leon Cahill had his best game of the season but the whole team played well. Luke Smith scored two goals as did Alex Marij. Shane Veillard capped a fine return after illness with a goal. Daire Daly had a fine second half and was unlucky with a number of strikes and was thwarted only by the woodwork. However, amongst a host of strong performers, Captain Michael Curtin, grabbed the honours and a man of the match performance with a fine hatrick although one goal has been sent to the referee for comment as Daire Dalys original shot may have been over the line before being turned in.

Cup at home to Springfield Ramblers B on 27th Feb Midleton A 2 Springfield B 3 Midleton began very slowly and looked slow on the ball. There were isolated attacks but Springfield held the ball and used it much better. There was a strong wind blowing into the faces of the Midleton team which made defending difficult but they could not cope with the eager Springfield team that were 3–0 up before half-time, two of the goals resulting from sloppy paly at the back. Luke Smith smashed a fine goal before the break, a goal he deserved as Midleton’s best player, to bring Midleton back into the game. In the second half Midleton did not get the better of the wind as it dropped quickly at the start of the half. However, Midleton finally began to play and the introduction of Chigozie Igboanusi gave the team extra edge up front. Cal Baldwin provided some dynamic running and Adam Morris began to push into midfield to add some bite and Midleton began to make a serious chances which were not taken until they had two ‘goals’ ruled out somewhat harshly for offside. Cal Baldwin scored a great goal from the edge of the box to give Midleton a glimmer of hope but time ran out. In the end they were unlucky to lose but the team have only themselves to blame for a poor first half.

League home to Springfield Ramblers A on 12th FebruaryMidleton A 3 Springfield Ramblers A 1 Midleton A had a good win over a spirited Springfield A team at Knockgriffin today. After early stalemate Cal Baldwin opened the scoring with a fine shot after intercepting a goal kick. Further goals from Alex Arij and Michael Curtin followed, with Chigozie Igboanusi providing assists for both. This left Midleton with a healthy 3-0 lead at half-time.

The second-half started with a booming shot by Luke Smith which unfortunately went over the bar and after this Springfield came more in to the game. Good work by the back 4 and some fine saves by Kieran O'Reilly prevented Springfield from scoring until late on, and at times Midleton threatened to add to their goal tally.

This was a fine team performance with excellent tracking back and good tackling being done by the Midleton midfield which made a big difference to the game.

League home to Carrigaline United B on 16th January Midleton A 1 Carrigaline United B 3 The recent run of good form of Midleton came to an end with reverse to a good Carrigaline team. In the first half Midleton looked very rusty after a long break due to the poor weather and were 2 – 0 at the break. The score reflected pressure that Midleton had been under throughout the half. After the interval Midleton rallied and began to exert pressure which led to a goal through top-scorer Luke Smith. Midleton pressed for an equalizer and made a number of chances and could have rescued the match. However, Carrigaline scored a third to settle the match.

League away to Blarney United A on 21st November Blarney A 1 Midleton A 3 That is three straight wins for Midleton A in the league and they are playing as a real team and with confidence. Against a strong Blarney A team Midleton had more in defence and the midfield and attack created more chances than their hosts. Midleton easily held the Blarney attack in the first half (0:0) and could easily have scored a couple of goals – Luke Smith scored his usual point from in front of goal! Adam Morris and Colin Edgebe were brilliant in defence and the midfield of Damian Pekala, Alex Arij and Daire Daly bossed the midfield. The introduction of fresh legs (Cal Baldwin, Michael Millins and Michael Curtin) allowed Midleton to attack almost continually and Blarney were held to one or two breaks. Michael Curtin was particularly impressive as an attacking midfielder and pressure paid off and Luke Smith tapped in following a great cross from Alex Arij. Luke added a fine second form the right hand side of the penalty box and Michael Millins was rewarded for his recent excellent form with another tap in. Blarney added a consolation effort late on but the game was over by then.

League home to Passage A on 6th November Midleton A 7 (seven) Passage A 1 Midleton’s best performance of the year so far. Midleton attacked from the start and created a hat of chances that went spurned until Luke Smith broke clear and finished from the edge of the box. What should have then been easy, weak defending left passage equalise. More chances were missed until just before half time when Chigozie Igboanusi gave Midleton a deserved lead after missing one or two chances. The half time rest obviously did the trick because the chances were turned into goals as Midleton kept breaking clear through the centre and down the wings. Chigozie was the man of the match and soon bagged a hat trick. Michael Millins came on at half time and ran the defence ragged creating chances. Alex Arij popped in two more goals which was well deserved because he has had a good season so far. Dylan Finn-Hannon scored to complete the scoring. There will be harder games but this was a good performance from everyone. Excellent midfield play and pace up-front and Midleton will hopefully continue to move up the table.

National Cup home to Midleton 24th October Midleton A 0 Midleton 10 The nightmare game for the two U11 teams became a nightmare for the U11 A team. They were simply overwhelmed by a sharper team where Ray Sweetman, Adam Wilson and others played brilliantly as they have done for much of the season. Luke Smith was the best of the U11 A team and was unlucky with a brilliant shot that hit the bar. Adam Morris and Colin Edgebe did their best in defence but Midleton were simply too strong and showed the form that has taken them towards the top of the 2nd division.

League away to Douglas Hall 10th of Oct Douglas Hall 0 Midleton A 3 Midleton started brightly and had a few good chances before a good move midway through the 1st half saw Michael Curtain play a fine ball through for Shane Veillard to round the keeper and slot the ball home to give Midleton a deserved lead. It was all Midleton at this stage and they should have gone 2-0 up only for the referee to wrongly rule Shane Veillard offside after a good run from Michael Mullins.

The 2nd half started the same as the 1st ended with Midleton enjoying a great deal of possession. A great through ball by Dara Daly should have saw Midleton double their lead but the Douglas keeper saved well from Shane Veillard. It was only a matter of time before Midleton got a second and Tom Scanlon got rewarded for his hard work when he burst through on goal and beat the keeper at the 2nd attempt. It wasnt long before Luke Smith added a 3rd for Midleton in a game where the whole team played very well especially in defence where they limited douglas hall to very few chances. All in all a great team performance and lets hope they carry the same attitude and comitment into their forthcoming matches.

League vs Mallow United A, St Gobnaits Park, Sunday Sept 26thMallow United A 2 Midleton A 1 Midleton A were just edged out in a tense game in St Gobnaits park. Midleton came under pressure throughout the game and mallow had two speedy wingers who got good ball in the box. However, Midleton probably had the best two strikers, Luke Smith and Shane V who were always a threat on the break. Mallow lead 1–0 at half time as a cross shot somehow found its way into the net via a post and a defender. Shortly after half time Midleton equalised on the break. Shane V levelling a scrambled effort after Luke smith broke from half way. Tom Scanlon and Michael Curtin had strong games in the middle and Daire Daly and Alex Arij performed excellently at the back. Mallow pressed forward and both David O’Sullivan and Luke Smith made clearances off the line before Mallow scored with a fine drive from the edge of the box. Midleton had a couple of opportunities to equalise but time ran out before one could be converted.

League vs Greenwood A, Knockgriffin Sunday Sept 12th Midleton A 1 Greenwood A 4 Midleton were beaten after a strong second half performance for Greenwood. An end-to-end 1st half included a fine goal by Luke Smith to cancel an early Greenwood strike and the half finished 1:1. However, in the second half Greenwood pressed forward at every opportunity and put the Midleton defence under fierce pressure for the half. Greenwood took an early lead and only good goalkeeping from Kieran O’Reilly and sound play at the back from Colin Edgebe and Adam Morris and the rest of the defence prevented further goals. As the match neared the end Midleton conceded two late goals. Despite the efforts of Tom Scanlon, Cal Bowdren and Luke Smith who all put in a lot of work, Greenwood had a deserved win.Midleton A: K O’Reilly, D Daly, C Edgebe, A Morris, D O’Sullivan, C Baldwin, T Scanlon, A Arij, R Higgins, M Curtin, L Smith SUBS: K Leahy, L Cahill, C Daly, A Ryan

League v Springfield Ramblers 29th August Midleton led by 4 goals by half time there where some spectacular goals from Tom Scanlon, Luke Smith (2) and Shane Veillard In the first half, then ten minutes into the second half Michael Curtin made it 5 followed by a 2nd for Shane Veillard A great all-round performance. Springfield came back with two late goals but Midleton got there heads together to see out. Springfield Ramblers 2 Midleton 6. A great start to the season.

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